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Hotel dream as historic NHS site goes on sale

A MASSIVE NHS building in Dumfries is being marketed for potential redevelopment as a 200-bedroom luxury hotel.

The Crichton Hall on Glencaple Road was originally constructed as a psychiatric hospital, but the 184,000 sq ft building now serves as headquarters for the NHS board, with office space for administrative functions.

Inviting offers for the category A listed building at an unspecified price, property firm Ryden said: “The stunning Crichton Hall has been declared surplus by NHS Dumfries and Galloway and is now offered for sale.

“The building extends to 184,000 sq ft in mature grounds of 20 acres set within larger grounds of some 85 acres and offers an outstanding opportunity to create a quality hotel and conference facility close to Dumfries town centre and within an exciting and diverse region.”

Opening in 1839, Crichton Hall was created from money bequeathed by Dr James Crichton of Friars’ Carse forafailed venture to establish a university in Dumfries.

Built using local red sandstone, the building provides accommodation over three storeys, with a fourth storey octagonal stair turret.

Looking to the future, Ryden said: “Visit Scotland is extremely keen to see the creation of a luxury hotel in the region given an existing lack of beds and leakage of potential hotel occupancy to the the north of England.”

The firm argues there are ‘no other luxury brands in the region’, arguing there are just three main hotels in the area.

And they point to over £300 million of tourism spend in the local economy.

Ryden said: “The property is suitable for a variety of uses including conversion to a luxury hotel and spa, conference centre and offices.”

A spokesman for NHS Dumfries and Galloway said: “We are in the very early stages of the marketing process for the sale of Crichton Hall. Therefore, no plans have been agreed around any potential relocation of staff.

“We anticipate involving staff in planning any potential moves.”

Stating it might take years to compete any sale, he added: “We see the redevelopment of Crichton Hall as a positive step for Dumfries, attracting new business opportunities and maintaining the fabric of a much loved historical site.”